Is that a Filament or are Ya Just Happy to See Me?

We all have watched Dr. Pimple Popper once, Right? We've learned that Blackheads can be as satisfying to watch being removed as to remove them ourselves. A little bit of pressure and out pops your pore’s icky and sometimes, smelly contents. But if you’re really looking for maximum impact, one pull of a pore strip, a piece of tape, ( yes my clients have used both Scotch and Duct) and teeny-tiny black dots stare back at you. But is it still satisfying when nothing oozes with each squeeze or black dots don't appear when the sticky tape is yanked loose? What then? In those cases, those dark specks on your nose, forehead, cheeks and chin are likely not blackheads at all. They’re called "sebaceous filaments" What the Heck is a Sebaceous Filament?

In order to better understand "sebaceous filaments", you need to understand the skin you’re in. You see, your skin is covered in vellus hair or peach fuzz. ANNNDDD in every hair follicle a sebaceous gland that produces sebum (oil) exist. This "oil" is meant your skin's natural lubricant and is the original “facial oil” that evolution intended for you. This is where "filaments", which are comprised of waxy esters and squalene, reside. Alongside the hair follicle or the vellus hair. The primary function of the filament is be a channel to the flow of sebum along that lining into the skin to moisturize it. Think of a candle whose wax uses the wick to burn and emit scent. The oil use the filament in the follicle to "Wick" your natural oil to the surface of your skin. For most people, sebaceous filaments are never an issue visially. Why? Because these filaments only become visible when the lining of your pore fills up with sebum. Sadly, for people with oily skin or enlarged pores, sebaceous filaments can look a heck of a lot like blackheads. Even though sebaceous filaments look more light grey or even yellow, they are not absolute gray or black.

So why do sebaceous filaments pop up on my T-zone?

.....Because "sebaceous glands" ( Oil glands remember?) are highly concentrated around your nose and forehead. The best way to rid your skin of these tiny gray specks, is by extraction. the problem here is that they’ll fill back up within 30 days anyways. They are a part of your pore structure, and they are with you for life! The good news? Filaments tend to be flat. So you can’t really feel them with your fingertips. Unlike blackheads, which can have a slightly raised border. Which we aestheticians are glad for because the temptation to pick at your skin to remove them really shouldn’t be too high. What can I do to make them less Visible? With your skin care expert's advice on products and advice on treatment, develop a regular regimen of cleansing and exfoliating to keep pores clean and clear of excess sebum. This way your sebaceous filaments can do their job of wicking off oil effectively so as not to clog and form a blackhead. A routine Deep Cleanse facial will also help to keep the oils flowing and clogging to a minimum.

Resist the urge to squeeze sebaceous filaments or blackheads all together. Believe me when I say that you are fighting a losing battle that could damage your skin, especially if you are thinner skinned or already have sensitized skin. With Blackheads, you could make the problem worse by spreading bacteria under the skin, cause irritation and permanent scarring. Also the contents of the black will fester under the skin. I am hopeful this was an insightful look at the difference between Filaments and Blackheads. IF you have any questions or would like to schedule a consult, give me a call or send me an email. I am more to sit down with you and your Filaments....wait...or is that Blackheads!

Enjoy Your Week! and Happy 2019 to all of my Readers! I appreciate YOU!

Angel

^J^